Kelston Sparkes go large with new Volvo EC700C

Company takes delivery of flagship excavator for major primary extraction contract at Torr Quarry

NORMALLY associated with Volvo articulated haulers, loading shovels and medium-sized excavators, Kelston Sparkes Group have taken delivery of Volvo CE’s flagship excavator, the EC700C, for the first time for work on primary extraction on one of the company’s prestigious contracts in the Mendips.

‘To be honest, we tended to look elsewhere for our large prime mover requirements, but with our existing 65-tonne excavator approaching 15,000h and some significant track repair work required, we took an objective look at the market,’ said managing director Alan Sparkes.

‘We evaluated five different models and it was a difficult call to make with nothing to compare in terms of the deal on the table and machine availability, so it all came down to the preference of our workshop personnel. With the long-standing relationship with Volvo’s product support people, and their outstanding back-up and co-operation, it was an easy decision for Steve Marsh, our workshop manager and his team.’

The new EC700C takes over as prime mover, joining a Volvo EC480D and four Volvo 40-tonne articulated haulers purchased late in 2011 on a long-standing contract for Aggregate Industries at Torr Quarry, near Shepton Mallet. Both machines are loading the trucks with blasted limestone which is then hauled a short distance to the site’s giant O&K mobile crusher.

‘The areas for blasting and processing over the current phase of operations called for approximately 1.5 million tonnes of rock to be hauled to the crusher,’ said George Stanley, Keslton Sparkes’ foreman in charge of the primary extraction team. ‘We are shifting upwards of 15,000 tonnes of material a day on a 7am to 5.30pm shift between the two excavators and four trucks.’

Equipped in mass-excavation configuration, as delivered to Kelston Sparkes Group, the EC700C offers a maximum reach of 11.2m, a digging depth of 7.25m and a lifting capacity across carriage at full reach of 12.4 tonnes. The machine has been fitted with a bespoke 4.4 cubic metre rock bucket supplied by MST Ltd.

Complying with quarry regulations, the 70-tonne machine has also been equipped with full safety features including safety rails around the machine superstructure, red and white chevrons on the counterweight and a full cab windscreen guard.

With 25 years under his belt working for Kelston Sparkes, machine operator Clive Bodeley is suitably impressed with his new charge. ‘When you’re working in the machine all day long, you need to feel comfortable and refreshed, and so far I’ve been delighted with the Volvo 70 tonner,’ he said.

Supplying equipment to feed the primary crusher at Torr is just one of several contracts Kelston Sparkes are currently engaged in at Torr Quarry, which includes the relocation of the quarry’s waste tip and crushing specific pockets of the quarry for Type I material.

‘We’ve been very fortunate to secure mid- to long-term contracts within the extractive industry in the south-west of the country and in particular here at Torr Quarry,’ said Alan Sparkes. ‘As a major contractor to several established companies, we are committed to work as a team with our clients in delivering a quality service with experienced personnel and first-class products.

‘In turn, we rely on known and trusted suppliers such as Volvo to help support our activities and this has played a significant role in our decision to purchase the EC700C.’